An Indianapolis city councillor, Ron Gibson, reported that his home was fired upon early Monday morning, with a note left behind indicating the attack was linked to his support for a proposed datacentre project. Gibson, a Democrat on the city council, had recently backed a $500m datacentre development in the Martindale-Brightwood neighbourhood.
According to a spokesperson, Gibson was woken at around 12.45am by multiple gunshots. A total of 13 rounds were fired at his home, where his eight-year-old son was present. Photos show a note in a ziplock bag reading 'No data centers' placed under a doormat amid shattered glass, and a screen door damaged with bullet holes.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department stated: 'We believe this was an isolated, targeted incident.' No injuries were reported, and the FBI is assisting with the investigation. The attack comes amid growing concern over political violence in the US.
Less than a week earlier, Gibson had publicly supported the datacentre by Metrobloks, a Los Angeles-based startup. He said the project would bring long-term benefits, including at least $20m in additional investments for the neighbourhood, job creation, and tax revenue for infrastructure and services.
Maggie A Lewis, the Indianapolis city council president, said colleagues were 'deeply disturbed and heartbroken by the violent act targeting' Gibson. She added: 'No elected official – or any resident of Indianapolis – should ever fear for their safety because of their public service or policy positions.'
